What Is a Heat Pump?

A heat pump is an energy-efficient cooling and heating system that is installed outside of your home and connected to an indoor mini-split unit. These HVAC systems cycle hot and cold air where you want it depending on the season and provide personalized comfort throughout your home year-round.

Gaining early popularity in the 1970s, previous generations of these systems were mainly considered for milder climates. Modern heat pumps, especially variable speed mini-split heat pumps, are reliable and sustainable, providing high-performance heating and air conditioning to homes anywhere, even extremely cold climates like Wisconsin.

How Does A Heat Pump Work?

To provide heat, the outdoor heat pump absorbs heat energy from the outside air and transfers it to the inside unit via the refrigerant. The refrigerant is compressed, increasing its temperature significantly when it reaches the indoor coil. A fan blows air over the heated coil to deliver warm air to the room. This heating process is much cleaner and better for the planet than burning fossil fuels, providing zero emissions.

With air conditioning, the process is reversed; the indoor evaporator unit absorbs and sends the room's heat energy to the outdoor unit compressor. The vapor is condensed back into a cold liquid that cools and returns to the indoor unit coil. The fan blows across the cold coil to provide cool air.

Heat Pumps Vs Conventional Furnaces or AC Units

Heat pumps and conventional furnaces or air conditioning units are both used for heating and cooling homes and buildings, but they have some key differences:

• Heat pumps use electricity, while furnaces and AC units are often powered by burning fossil fuels
• Conventional systems are centralized with a single point of filtration for the entire home
• Heat pumps offer continuous air circulation and advanced filtration
• Heat pumps can be placed in multiple rooms for zone control

Types Of Heat Pump Systems

There are several different types of heat pumps, each with its own unique features and capabilities. The three most common types are:

Air-Source Heat Pumps

Air-source heat pumps work by extracting heat from the air outside and transferring it indoors during the winter months to heat a home or building and reverses the process during the summer months to cool a home or building. They can be ducted or ductless.

Water Source Heat Pumps

Water source heat pumps use a nearby body of water to heat in heating mode and as a heat sink when in cooling mode. They can extract heat from water even if the water temperature is lower than the desired temperature in the home.

Geothermal (Ground Source) Heat Pumps

Geothermal heat pumps use the ground as the source of heat in heating mode and as a heat sink in the cooling mode. These are particularly effective in Wisconsin's climate where ground temperatures remain relatively stable year-round.

Heat Pump Rebates And Tax Credits

Heat pump rebates and tax credits are financial incentives offered by the government or utility companies to encourage the use of heat pump systems, which are considered more energy-efficient than traditional heating and cooling systems. Wisconsin homeowners may be eligible for federal tax credits and local utility rebates when installing a new heat pump system.